We've traditionally thought of programming as carefully translating our ideas line-by-line into code. But what if writing explicit code isn't the endgame, but just an intermediate step?
With the recent breakthroughs in LLMs, we're entering a new paradigm — one where we specify intent clearly, contextually, and visually, allowing an LLM to compile that intent directly into executable code.
Here are the guiding principles I've found essential for this new way of building:
Every interaction with an LLM must preserve context — intent, previous conversations, or metadata. Much like traditional compilers rely on context (types, scopes), LLM-compilers thrive when context is explicit and interlinked, ensuring accurate, robust outputs.
Tools must facilitate frictionless collaboration. Rather than isolated coding sessions, codebases become shared conversations. Think real-time editing, visual brainstorming, and seamless versioning — allowing teams to evolve ideas effortlessly.
Complexity should always be optional. Interfaces should be minimal, intuitive, and delightful, instantly showing value. Advanced depth, like debugging visual logic flows, remains accessible but unobtrusive.
Provide clear entry points for novices and deep layers for advanced users. Shield beginners from unnecessary complexity, but enable experts to dive deep into underlying logic, debugging, and refinement.
Purely textual input isn't enough. Richer, visual forms of specification — like visual grammars inspired by Pāṇini’s linguistic models — better align with how we naturally think, communicate, and express intent.
The shift here is subtle yet powerful: code becomes an output of clearly expressed intent, not its input. This accelerates iteration, fosters deeper collaboration, and expands the potential of software development itself.
I've started exploring this new programming paradigm through an experiment called Textile.
It's my way of testing how we can practically implement visual, intuitive, and collaborative tools for specifying intent beyond text alone. We're moving toward a future where programming is more human — visual, intuitive, collaborative — and ultimately, far more powerful. I'll share more about textile soon. Stay tuned.
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If you have any questions or thoughts, don't hesitate to reach out. You can find me as @viksit on Twitter.